State housing agency awards $274,500 to San Antonio nonprofit for rental assistance
AUSTIN, TX – September 9, 2008 – (RealEstateRama) — Understanding that helping low income tenants achieve self-sufficiency stabilizes both the individual and community, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has announced a major funding award to a San Antonio-based nonprofit organization helping eligible individuals secure affordable rental housing while working toward financial independence.
TDHCA has awarded $274,500 in rental assistance funds to the Center for Health Care Services, a 30-year-old Bexar County nonprofit which will use the award to help an estimated 12 low income households with their monthly rent payments.
“Finding a safe, affordable place to call home is a monthly challenge for too many Texans,” said TDHCA Executive Director Michael Gerber. “The current housing market is pushing rents beyond what many households can pay, undermining families and communities alike. These funds will not only make an immediate impact on the lives of these tenants, they have the potential to create the long-term benefits of self-reliance.”
The Center for Health Care Services will use the award to help subsidize rents and make security and utility deposits for eligible low income households, ensuring they can find decent, affordable rental housing. The assistance is available for up to 24 months. In return, tenants must participate in a self-sufficiency program with the goal of achieving eventual financial independence.
This award was made through TDHCA’s HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HOME funds are designed to assist households at or below 80 percent of the area median family income (AMFI), which for Bexar County equals an annual income of $43,750 for a family of four.
Eligible applicants include qualifying units of local government, public housing authorities, Community Housing Development Organizations and other nonprofit groups, and qualifying for-profit organizations.
About The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is Texas’ lead agency responsible for affordable housing, community services, energy assistance, and colonia housing programs. The Department annually administers more than $400 million through for-profit, nonprofit, and local government partnerships to deliver local housing and community-based opportunities and assistance to Texans in need.
Contact:
Gordon Anderson 512.475.4743
Jill McFarren 512.475.2844
